Jennifer Gorman

BS Fashion Merchandising Management

"Some may think I’m crazy for returning to school at my age, but it is so important for me to spend the rest of my years happy."

I am a wife to a wonderful husband, a mother to an awesome daughter and a grandmother to two amazing grandchildren. Obviously, I am an older student, who is returning to school after a long absence. I am currently a respiratory therapist at a local hospital, working twelve-hour night shifts. I am also a breast cancer survivor who has ben cancer-free for three years.

When, recently, I had another cancer scare, which thankfully turned out to be nothing, I reevaluated my life. In particularly, I looked at the career portion of my otherwise wonderful life. In this reflection, I determined that I did not want to spend the rest of my working years in a career that I believe is slowly trying to kill me. In my current career, I have to deal with life and death decisions every day. This is sucking the life from me. Twelve-hour night shifts and sleep deprivation is also taking its toll on my body.

I have always been interested in fashion. In my youth, I wanted to be a fashion model, but was not tall enough at 5'7." I also had a baby at the age of nineteen, so I had to find a regular and well-paying job. At this time in my life, I want to work in a career involving something I love. Some may think I’m crazy for changing careers and returning to school at my age, but it is so important for me to spend the rest of my years happy in all aspects of my life.

I am enjoying my B.S. in Fashion Merchandising very much. I feel that my age makes me appreciate how wonderful an advanced education is. The online experience was intimidating at first, but I’m getting the hang of how everything works now. I have only had great experiences with SNHU so far, and I am looking forward to learning all that I can. The future is a giant oyster with a beautiful pearl inside.